(Walhalla, SC). An Oconee County jury found 17 year-old Laquavius “Quay” Cleveland guilty today of Attempted Murder and weapons charges. The Honorable Alex Macaulay sentenced Cleveland to 22 years in prison on the Attempted Murder charge with 5 years consecutive on the Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime charge.
In July of 2013, the defendant and the victim, the defendant’s cousin, met at Cleveland’s house to discuss the purchase of a handgun and some marijuana by the defendant. The defendant got in the car with the victim to examine the gun. After looking at the gun, Cleveland got out of the car and went to the back yard to test fire the weapon. Cleveland returned the gun to the victim and then entered the house and armed himself with a knife. When he returned to the car, Cleveland began stabbing his cousin. The victim was transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital where he remained for four days due to the multiple life-threatening stab wounds he received. The defendant fled the scene but was arrested later the same night.
“The reckless actions of Laquavius Cleveland nearly resulted in the death of his cousin,” said Solicitor Chrissy Adams. “While the defendant was 16 at the time, he committed a serious and violent crime that was deserving of today’s verdict and sentence. Fortunately, the victim did survive and we pray for his continued recovery.”